Imperial County Climate
Imperial County, California
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
73.7°F
Annual Precip
3.0"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"
Extreme Heat Days
180
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
10a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
8,692
Excellent for heat-loving crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Imperial County
Climate Verdict
Imperial County has a hot, with an average annual temperature of 73.7°F, arid conditions receiving just 3.0 inches of precipitation annually, extreme heat exposure with 180.06 days per year above 90°F, virtually no measurable snowfall. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are exceptionally mild, with January averaging 56.4°F. summers are scorching with July averaging 92.2°F. The 36°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change. December is typically the coldest month and August the warmest.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Summer outdoor activities should be planned for early morning or evening to avoid extreme heat.
Regional Context
Imperial County is 15.0°F warmer than the California statewide average of 58.7°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 22.8 inches less precipitation than the state average, the county experiences 121.38907503706614 more extreme heat days than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Imperial County Weather
An Extreme Desert Environment
Imperial County is one of the hottest places in the United States with a 73.7°F annual average. Its desert climate is defined by extreme aridity, receiving only 3.0 inches of precipitation per year.
Hotter Than the State Average
At 73.7°F, Imperial is significantly hotter than the California state average of 58.7°F. It represents the extreme thermal ceiling of the state’s low-desert regions.
Unmatched Heat in the Region
Imperial is even hotter and drier than neighboring Riverside County, enduring a staggering 180 days of temperatures over 90°F. It lacks the higher elevation cooling found in parts of the adjacent San Diego County.
Brutal Summers and Warm Winters
Summers are brutal with a 90.4°F average and zero snowfall year-round. Even "winter" is warm by national standards, maintaining a comfortable 57.1°F average from December through February.
Safety in Half-Year Heat
Cooling systems must be heavy-duty to survive six months of extreme heat days above 90°F. Sun protection and constant hydration are critical for anyone spending time outdoors in this 3-inch-rainfall environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.
Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.